Roxborough silent auction aims to revitalize Ridge Avenue through the arts

The Roxborough Development Corporation (RDC) and the Manayunk-Roxborough Art Center (MRAC) will partner to host their first collaborative art show and silent auction tonight from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Eric Sauermelch, MRAC’s director of marketing, said the purpose of the event is to culturally revitalize Ridge Avenue by bringing different creative endeavors into the area in order to improve and enrich the community for residents and visitors.

More than 20 local shops, businesses and restaurants have donated items to be auctioned off at the event, which are valued at $15,000. Attendees can bid on artwork, discounted services at the local businesses, art classes for children and adults, and an autographed hockey puck donated from the Philadelphia Flyers.

One of the newest restaurants, Roxborough’s Urban Café, will provide complimentary appetizers and other refreshments. Volunteers will also prepare food for the event.

Proceeds from the event will be divided between the MRAC and the RDC. Proceeds will assist the MRAC with maintenance bills, art supplies for classes and future programming. The RDC will utilize the proceeds for different promotional items.

“This is a great chance to look at a lot of local artwork and meet a lot of local businesses and the community at large,” said Sauermelch. “It is a chance to get a feel for the demographic of people that live and work in the area.”

Bernard Guet, RDC’s executive director, said the event will be great way to unite and network with visitors, neighbors and businesses. The event is BYOB.